SWINDON Dolphin head coach Louise Clayton believes the club has made a ‘great start’ in improving provisions for disability swimmers in the town.

The club is helping young disabled swimmers achieve their potential courtesy of a recently-introduced swimming programme.

The fourth Swindon Disability Swim Links session took place at Dorcan Leisure Centre recently, a national scheme run by the ASA.

Dolphin were chosen to work with the South West Regional ASA to deliver Swim Links in Swindon, providing disability specific swimming sessions.

Six children attended the initial session in May and that number has now more than doubled.

These children have a wide range of disabilities including cerebral palsy, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia and hearing problems.

Dolphin already has a potential star of the future in youngster Craig Harris, who hopes to compete in the Rio Paralympics in 2016.

Swindon Dolphin chief coach Louise Clayton said: “The Paralympics not only generated massive interest in disability sport, but increased awareness of what disabled athletes can achieve.

“We have a big part to play now in providing the means for all local children with disabilities who have an interest in swimming to develop to their maximum.

“We have made a great start but we have so much more we can contribute.”

The monthly Swim Links sessions have also received support from Swindon Borough Council’s Aiming High scheme, led by coaches Andy Harris and Wendy Chandler, who are supported by a team of volunteers.

The next Swim Links session is at Dorcan on Sunday, October 21 at 4pm. For further details email disability@swindondolphin.co.uk.

The Disability Swimming national talent identification weekend is on November 3/4, which includes a session at Highworth Leisure Centre at 11am on Saturday, November 3.

To book a place on the talent identification session, or for more information, email disability@swimming.org by Friday, October 19.